on Vedanta

Although literally taken as that which comes at the end of the Vedas, but Vedānta actually means the cardinal, the ultimate aspect of the Vedas. It essentially refers to the Upanishadic teachings, the Upanishads being the concluding summation, delineating the fundamental essence of the Vedas. It deals with analysis and understanding of the profound, abstruse truisms declared therein.The compound word ‘Upa-ni-shad’ literally means ‘sitting down near’; for it is to be understood by sitting close, sitting by the side of an enlightened master who has realized the absolute, the highest truth. Out of the hundreds of Upanishads, around thirteen are generally identified as the main ones carrying the core teachings viz. Chandogya, Kena, Aitareya, Kaushitaki, Mandukya, Katha, etc. Vedānta is indeed the highest possible knowledge, for it is the knowledge of the ultimate truth, knowledge of the absolute reality. When correctly imbibed, this knowledge radically transforms one’s life such that the person arrives at the goal of his human birth by realizing his pure, real Self.However, mere theoretical cerebration, mere intellectual deliberation will lead nowhere. This has to become one’s own subjective experience. And this is where the crucial, the cardinal role of a master comes in, without which it is simply not possible to truly fathom these profound, esoteric teachings. A master who has lived and breathed the aphorisms, who has reached the pinnacle of the ultimate glory by actually realizing the truisms declared in the Vedānta.Anandmurti Gurumaa is one such hallowed being who has simplified the essential message of Vedānta, making it easier for the seekers to

comprehend, assimilate and evolve. Her expositions are widely available in the form of books and DVD’s. The book titled ‘Know Thyself’ (‘Shivoham’ in Hindi) chronicles the talks where Sadgurudev has thoroughly expounded upon Sri Adi Shankaracharya’s classic Advaita (non-dualist) Vedāntic philosophy, the Atma-Shatakam. This is an in-depth exposition imparted in a simple language, replete with easy to understand exemplifications. From what one is not, to what one really is – this is elaborately described such that all the false identifications are shed until what remains is the naked truth. It inspires, fires up the aspirant to embark upon this path of ultimate liberation.The Bhagavad Gita too is regarded as part of Vedāntic philosophy and is deemed at par with the Upanishads as it too expounds upon the highest truth, the Brahmagyāna, and that too coming directly from Lord Sri Krishna. The exhaustive rendition of the Bhagavad Gita is available as a set of DVD’s, which are live recordings of Sadgurudev’s encyclopedic critique, a lucid elucidation of Sri Krishna’s masterpiece ballad. In her inimitable style, the discourses are a rich repository of the highest knowledge delightfully admixed with musical devotional chanting. And furthermore, the narrative is liberally laced with anecdotes and references which ordinary folk can easily relate to. It becomes not only Arjuna’s story, but everybody’s story; it doesn’t remain only Arjuna’s dilemma but the listener readily relates to as his own dilemma. Such is the all-encompassing exposition of Sadgurudev that by listening intently and practicing dedicatedly, an ordinary person can become extraordinary – journeying from the claustrophobic suffering of bondage to the liberating bliss of ultimate freedom.